Awali (Agenzia Fides) - A special evening of unity, faith, and prayer was shared on the occasion of the Vigil for the Nation, organized by This is Bahrain and in coordination with the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, sovereign of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
"Different traditions, different faiths, different cultures, all come together as one to pray for Peace in this wonderful country that offers us the opportunity to express our faith," said the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., at the opening of the vigil. The celebration, held on the evening of Wednesday, April 8, began with an invocation to the Holy Spirit, followed by readings, psalms, the Gospel, and a series of prayers, recited in both English and Arabic, symbolizing the diverse community present.
The ceremony brought together over 1,300 people of different faiths and nationalities, representatives and leaders of various religious communities, and distinguished members of Bahrain’s governmental and diplomatic community, including H.E. Ossama Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development; H.E. Andrea Catalano, Ambassador of Italy; H.E. Stephanie Hallett, Ambassador of the United States; H.E. Asako Okai, Ambassador of Japan; H.E. Saqib Rauf, Ambassador of Pakistan — whose country is currently playing a catalyst role in ongoing peace negotiations between the United States and Iran — as well as various members of the Shura Council and of the Chamber of Representatives and leading figures from Bahrain’s political and business communities, who all gathered to pray for the peace, harmony, and prosperity of the Kingdom.
In his speech, the Apostolic Vicar welcomed the ceasefire, describing it as a significant and hopeful step towards peace. He noted that the gathering itself reflected a powerful message of unity among people of different religions and backgrounds. Highlighting Bahrain's long-standing commitment to religious tolerance and coexistence, Bishop Berardi expressed appreciation for the freedom of worship in the Kingdom. He commended the leadership for fostering an environment where mutual respect and harmony continue to thrive and encouraged those present to remain steadfast in their prayers for lasting peace, both within Bahrain and throughout the region.
The event highlighted the Kingdom's role as a beacon of tolerance and dialogue, reinforcing the values of coexistence, mutual understanding, and collective hope for peace. "It was a moment of collective reflection and hope for de-escalation and, ultimately, for lasting peace for all the peoples of the region," reads the statement from the Embassy of Italy in Bahrain sent to Fides. Ambassador Catalano conveyed Italy's appreciation for Bahrain's leadership in promoting dialogue among cultures and religions. He then reaffirmed Italy's commitment to peacebuilding and international cooperation, as well as its support to the Kingdom of Bahrain and its citizens and residents.
"A Christian's most powerful weapon is prayer. When we unite and invoke God for peace, our prayers rise above the clouds and reach heaven. This is the moment to show our love and solidarity with Bahrain and our beloved King, as he believes our prayers are powerful," said Father Francis P. Joseph, OFM Cap, parish priest of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Manama, in his invitation to attend the event. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 10/4/2026)
